Fishing trips and touring throughout Scotland

Trout Fishing, Brown trout, River Don,, trout fishing, grayling fishing, Orvis fishing guide
An early season brown on the River Don

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Firstly the Spring brown trout fishing in rivers and lochs is outstanding.

During the last ice age, approximately 15,000 years ago, the retreating ice left behind features such as mountains, lochs and rivers. In fact, brown trout have been thought to have populated Scottish rivers and lochs since the last ice age. Remarkably, there are over 30,000 freshwater lochs in Scotland. Also many river systems. In conclusion most of these waters hold trout.

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Glencoe, Fort William, Trout Fishing, Loch Arkaig
Trout fishing Loch Arkaig from a drifting boat. This is a traditional method in Scotland © CapnFishy

Where is the best Brown Trout Fishing in Scotland?

The most notable trout rivers in Scotland are the River Tay, River Tweed, River Deveron, River Don, River Spey, and River Ness. Moreover these are rivers with good trout populations, due to the abundance of food and well oxygenated water.

In addition, there are many notable lochs, like Loch Awe, Loch Arkaig, Loch Shiel, Loch Watten, Loch Navar to mention a few.

Wild brown trout, brown trout, fly fishing, Orvs Helios 3, fly rod, Scottish brownie, fish species
A perfectly formed Brown Trout from a Highland Loch

Can you fish for brown trout in Scotland for free?

Firstly, you should always ask the permission of a land owner, prior to fishing his water. Because there is no licence system in Scotland, it may also be necessary to purchase a day or week permit. These are sold on a rod to rod basis, and numbers are controlled to avoid overcrowding.

River Whiteadder, Brown Trout, Dry Fly, EDEN Made trout net, best time to Visit Scotland
A stunning wild trout from the River Whiteadder, caught on a size 16 March Brown Emerger

What is the trout fishing season in Scotland?

The season for wild brown trout in Scotland is March 15th to October 6th. There are some regional variations to this, but this is the core season.

What is the best month for brown trout fishing in Scotland?

Considering all factors, April is the best month to fish for trout in Scotland. To find out why, please check out this detailed article on spring fishing for trout.

River Tay, Wild Brown Trout, Types of fish, River Tay, fishing, Trout, Dry Fly Sage X,
This River Tay Wild Brown Trout took a Dry Olive

Can you catch trout on Spinners in Scotland?

On the whole, fishing for trout in Scotland is fly only. However there are venues that allow spin casting. Furthermore we always advise to avoid trebles and debarb hooks if spinning for trout.

What is the record brown trout in Scotland

The record brown trout weighed 31lb 12 oz and was caught in 2001 in Loch Awe. This is also the record brown trout for the UK.

Loch Fishing, Trout, Brown Trout, Near Edinburgh, Near Peebles , best time to Visit Scotland
A stunning trout from a loch near Edinburgh

What are the best techniques to catch brown trout in Scottish rivers?

Firstly, dry fly is one of the most effective and enjoyable methods to catch trout in Scotland. That is to say, if you are fishing during a hatch and big trout are on the feed. I have observed that Scottish trout are easily spooked and therefore you require to be stealthy in your approach when fishing dries. Likewise fly choice and leader set up is critical. All of our flies are tied in house but our fishing guide who has represented Scotland at International level.

best euronymphng rods, Redington Strike, V2
Hand crafted trout and grayling flies for nymphing Scottish rivers

Euronymphing is a highly effective method to catch trout. Especially when there is a lack of surface activity.

Equally, swinging soft hackled wet flies and spiders can be deadly. Lastly, fishing streamers is an extremely effective method of catching trout, especially for bigger fish.